The whole night was spent packing . It was at four am, when the trio were convinced that they  had packed everything that they wanted to take with them back home.  It included the gifts that they had bought over the last whole year for their family and friends. Though Nishant hadn't visited the family for more than a four years,  every year, he would send gifts and items for his family.  The last four years had been very hectic for him. Four years ago, he had graduated with a Bachelor's degree and started working in a company. It was then when he decided to start his own business in London. The last three years were hard as he was not only establishing his business but he was also dealing with a crucial enemy of his life, his addiction of drugs.  They were the last three years of his treatment that he had be extra careful.  Due to circumstances, he could not take his eye away from his work in London and could not visit his family.  

"I know we cannot ever  fill in your spot in the family, but Chachi will be so happy see all the things that you have bought for her!" Kuhu told Nishant.  Nishant nodded, "Tell her that I love her and that when I come back, I'll do everything as she pleases!" 

"We will, Nannu! But it would have been better if you could come with us," Mishti told him as she put her passport and ticket  in the handbag. 

"Maybe next year,  I have another idea for a business, maybe when you guys graduate , we could all move to India and expand my business there!" Nishant comforted Kuhu who was getting a little teary, "Kuhu, you are my sweetest sister, we are going to meet in four months!"

They slept blissfully that night as they were so exhausted. The last whole month had been spent in studying and giving exams and the last night was spent in the last minute packing.  When Kuhu got to know the exam schedule, she rescheduled her flight ticket so that she did not waste a single day of the summer vacation living in London.

The whole day went cheerfully. At dusk, Nishant  drove his best friend and sister to the airport. London had been a beautiful adventure for both the girls. They had become independent, matured and had the experience that they would have never had had they been in India.  They were grateful for the last two years, but they were immensely home sick. Though they would video call their family once in two days, it still wasn't the same as  living with the family they had spent years living with.  Kuhu was super excited. On the other hand,  Mishti had a mixture of feelings,  though she wanted to meet her family, some memories were too painful and she did not want to relive them again.  

The seven hour flight was a peaceful one.  Mishti slept most of the journey listening to the songs she had managed to download at the last minute in the airport.  She did not fancy the little televisions available to them on her seat, but Kuhu did manage to binge watch some of the classic bollywood movies  throughout the flight duration. When they reached Delhi,  they had a two hour layover for their next flight to Gujarat. While Kuhu was sleeping in the waiting lounge,  Mishti spent some time exploring the airport. Delhi's airport was extremely beautiful and she was so happy to see the arts and crafts on display and admired all the Indian-ness that she had missed in these two years living in London. 

She picked up a book and started reading the synopsis.  

"Amazing choice, you should read it!" 

"Excuse me?" Mishti looked at the person who had just spoken. 

"It is a book  on time management and business. It is a must read for all," said the young, handsome and well-groomed gentleman. He wore a three piece suit and looked very professional.

"Oh thanks!" Mishti said back to the stranger.

"You are welcome." He smiled and went to the cashier to pay for the two books he had picked up.   

Mishti looked at the cover of the book and then read the synopsis to see if she would buy this book, would she actually read it.  After reading the synopsis, she was certain that the genre didn't interest her, but she was intrigued  by the stranger.  

The flight to Gujarat was an hour and a half long.  Kuhu slept soundlessly in the flight while Mishti read the newspaper to catch up to the news in India.  So much had happened in the country since she moved to London, she just hoped her stay would be a happy one.  As she read the countless disturbing headlines, she reached headline about an NGO based in Rajkot which had established  schools and homes for numerous poor children and orphans. The NGO was run by  widows and ladies of the village, but it was the brainchild was of a young man.  She jotted down the NGO's name  in her diary.  Mishti had been applying for summer internships and jobs  in Rajkot. Though she had been selected in two that she had applied to but working in an NGO felt more fulfilling and satisfying. She decided that she would give them a call and see if she can volunteer on the weekends. 

When the flight landed,  Kuhu's energy was restored, "We are home Mishti!" She danced  as she walked out of the flight.  

"Yes, Kuhu we are home!" She let her sister enjoy herself.  Clenching to her insecurities, Mishti walked out of the airport with a smile. At the arrivals, they saw five happy faces waiting. Kuhu ran to meet her family while Mishti navigated  Kuhu's trolley towards the family.  Mishti greeted her Bade papa and Badi Maa, Kuhu's parents and Jasmeet Chachi.  

"We are so happy you are back!" Bade Papa spoke as he hugged  Kuhu and Mishti. 

"Dadu, you have no idea how excited I am!" Kuhu spoke. "Maa, don't cry now, see I'm here in front of you!" 

" You have become so big in these two years!" Kuhu's mom cried as she carefully saw her daughter, cupping her face in her hands.

"Mishti look at you, your new glasses make you look more mature and beautiful." Badi maa spoke to Mishti. 

"Dadi, thanks to me! Mishti's new glasses are trendy, she looks studious but she looks a little cool too! Hashtag My choice!" Kuhu took the credit. 

"Hashtag Girl, where is my Nannu? Mishti, you didn't ask your best friend to come along?" A young woman spoke, "You didn't tell him how much Nannu's mom misses her only child!"

"Chachi, I told Nannu, but he said he will try to come as soon as possible, right now he has a huge project to handle in London, once he gets free from that, he will come to visit for sure!" Mishti confirmed. 

As Kuhu and Mishti put their baggage in the cars, Mishti saw a man pass by.  He wore a blue three piece suit and reminded her of the same man she saw some hours ago in Delhi. She grinned at the absurd coincidence but was distracted by Kuhu who was showing the Gucci bag that she had bought recently with the money she had earned  from the three odd jobs that she had done last summer. 

"Last summer, to keep myself occupied, I worked three jobs mama, but this summer ,it is be classy and cool, I'm going to chill at home and enjoy my stay!"

"Of course beta, whatever you want." Kuhu's dad said as he drove the car out of the airport's parking. 

"This vacation will be memorable for all of us. We are so happy to have our both daughters back home!" Badi Maa spoke. 

Mishti admired  the city that she had always longed to see in these two years. Starting today, she had four months to make the best memories. After these four months, she had no plans to live in India. She would most likely find a job in London for a year or two and then study for masters. She planned to settle abroad. For her, the only happiness left in this country was her family. Her bitter childhood wounds had not healed though she did manage to forget about them in these two years. She hoped that by living abroad, those wounds will heal and she would never have to deal with them ever again.  

Do comment and vote. Please tell me if you are enjoying this and what you are liking about it. I'm open to criticism too. I would appreciate honest and constructive feedback.